As fashion month grinds to a close, it leaves in its wake a trail of weary-eyed first impressions. But if there is any fashion-editorial postmortem to cleanse the palate, it’s a look back at the models behind some of the month’s most memorable runway debuts—injecting the latest installment of a never-ending fashion cycle with the lifeblood of the new and planting the seeds of the spring/summer runways to come.

As is typical of the modeling roulette, these recent signees, all with IMG, come from far and wide, Fredericksburg, Virginia to the Amazon. Whether by way of auspicious subway encounters or “models wanted” ads, each of breakout brings a fresh story to fashion country. Below, the 11 faces you’ll remember and the stats you’ll want to know.

"I was discovered in Navirai, a very small town in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. I am not doing anything else besides modeling, at the moment. I wish I had more artistic abilities and was able to sing and dance [laughs]."

"I’ve always loved writing, both fiction and nonfiction. Sometimes it’s just a few sentences, other times it’s full essays. It really just depends on what mood I’m in and what experiences or issues I feel the need to reflect on."

Hobbies: Vintage shopping with friends and listening to One Direction with my sisters.

"I was discovered while shopping in a mall in Munich, during a modeling contest that was happening there. The lady from the modeling agency asked me if I want to be part of the contest. I was completely overwhelmed when I actually won."

"I'm a flamenco dancer. I started when I was 10 years old and have been doing it for seven years now. It's not an easy dance and requires a lot of dedication. There is always room for improvement so I never get tired of it Doing a flamenco photoshoot one day would be a dream come true!"

"I was in Fredericksburg, Virginia when I saw an ad online for my mother agent. I went to meet her in Richmond and she signed me! Then I got an interview with IMG and the rest is history. My hobbies are drawing realistic portraits, playing the guitar and singing a little. I also like to play first person shooter video games."

Discovered when: IMG Models Senior Director Luiz Mattos found me at a subway station in Shanghai.

"I like to read books very much! I read almost everything that comes to my eyes: history, philosophy, fiction and classical literature. I also like to spend time with my family, walk and play with my dog."

"I was discovered in a local farmers market in Calgary. Shopping is also my hobby! Does that count as a hobby? [laughs]. I can find some good thrift store bargains. But I also really enjoy pottery because I love creating usable artwork and giving pieces to my friends and family."